2019 Chevrolet Silverado at the 2018 North American International Auto Show

Less than a handful of secrets were revealed when a Trailboss edition of the new 2019 Silverado was helicoptered in for the Chevy Truck Centennial celebrations held at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. Some design elements were made clear but just ahead of the NAIAS, we were given a briefing on what else we can expect.

That same LT Trailboss represents one of the eight ways Silverado shoppers will be able to spec out their new truck. The WT, or Work Truck, Custom and Custom Trailboss are the three high-value propositions where it’s all about the truck, with minimal dressing. Despite that, niceties like a 7” touchscreen and more are included.

The volume will belong to the LT, RST and LT Trailboss. In both iterations, the latter includes a 2” suspension lift with Rancho shocks, the Z71 Off Road Package with locking rear differential, skid plates, and black 18” wheels with Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires. The RST swaps off-road kit for an on-road appearance package that includes body-color trim, LED lighting and up to 22” wheels with all-season tires.

Chrome and luxury feature lovers will opt for the LTZ and High Country trims. They get unique grilles, leather, various exterior accents and the power up/down tailgate.

Regardless of the badging, the new 2019 Chevy Silverado has grown in nearly every dimension. Normally, that would equate to an increase in weight however thanks to the extensive use of high-strength steel and aluminum. Chevy specified that all moving exterior panels such as the doors, hood and tailgate, are made of aluminum. All other fixed panels, including the bed, fenders and roof are made of steel.

The result is a full-size pickup truck that tips the scale at up to 450 lbs. (205 kg) less than the previous generation equivalent. The GM trucks were already recognized as some of the most fuel efficient in the segment and that is likely to remain the case with the new one.

The announcement that a 3.0-litre Duramax diesel I6 engine should seal the deal. It will be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and together should provide impressive numbers in all respects. Returning for duty in with the new truck are the 6.2-litre and 5.3-litre V8. They’ve been revised and now feature Dynamic Fuel Management that can actively shut off one to seven cylinders depending on driver demands and load. The 6.2-litre will be mated to the 10-speed automatic transmission while the 6-speed should make a comeback in other applications.

Physically, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado is 1.6” (41 mm) longer but the real news is that the wheelbase can stretch an extra 3.9” (100 mm) depending on configuration. The biggest gains from these new dimensions are a larger bed and generally roomier, more accommodating cabins.

Few other details other than accessories were discussed. Production is expected to begin later this year, likely in the fall. Between now and then, we’ll learn more about pricing and the three other engines that will power the new 2019 Silverado. We’ll also have highly anticipated Duramax diesel output numbers to go along with on sale dates.